This special episode of The Digital Enterprise Society podcast was recorded live at The Digital Intersect Conference in Detroit, Michigan on November 17th. On the second half of their live Digital Battle, Craig Brown and Mark Pendergast continue to agree to disagree while answering questions about the digital thread, the digital twin, PLM, cyber security, and recruiting the next generation to the industry. 

 

On today’s podcast, you will learn:

 

Can you have a digital thread without a digital twin?

• Craig points out that a twin is a point in time, while a thread is what makes the twin possible. 
• Mark says yes, but how effective is either one without the other?
• The value only comes when either one is making money. 
• A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical object. 
• The digital twin can be used to gain insights into what that object might be doing in the future. 

 

Does the historical definition of PLM still fit today?

• PLM was defined in the 1960s and, according to Mark, thousands of years ago. 
• PLM is much more than CAD- it’s whatever helps you manage a product to obtain a successful outcome. 
• Sustainability is playing an increased role in PLM, but the process still needs to stay focused on the product. 

 

To what degree do digital engineering tools allow effective remote work?

• Advanced web technologies and secure databases have made remote work much more effective in recent years. 
• Cyber security has become a primary concern for companies, making more effective, safe work possible. 

 

Why has work on the cloud finally been widely accepted?

• Despite the major skepticism of the past, cyber security has finally been widely accepted.
• The pandemic forced many companies into the acceptance of the cloud, and the results have been overall positive. 
• New startup companies as well as OEMs have to utilize the cloud in today’s world. 
• Many IT departments are exceptionally conservative, but forced new technologies have made for a successful transition to the cloud. 

 

How can the next generation be recruited to the industry?

• The elder advisors have insights for the next generation that they are willing to share.  All you have to do is ask. 
• Don’t be intimidated by the enormity of PLM, just get involved. 
• Find the leadership that embraces PLM and then step up to the challenge. 

 

Continue the conversation with us within the Digital Enterprise Society Community at www.DigitalEnterpriseSociety.org.

 

Digital Download: Virtual Round-Table Series